According to an article by Sally Buzbee from the Associated Press, Iraq has stepped up pressure on a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops. The withdrawal is specifically linked to Iraq resuming security responsibilities for all 18 of it’s provinces, with 9 provinces already under Iraqi control. After that, the countries security situation would be evaluated every 6 months for 3 to 5 years to decide when US troops would pull out completely. At this time, the handover of the final 9 provinces have no turnover date, which gives the US some flexibility in how it handles troop withdrawals.

This is a good step, as it indicates Iraq’s growing confidence in its ability to secure itself. The main issue with pulling out of Iraq has always been their lack of infrastructure. With warring factions a constant threat to people on the street, police and hospitals in short supply, utilities such as water and electricity nearly non existent in some areas, and an economic structure just scraping by, it’s difficult to imagine Iraq being self sufficient without a stable governing body in place.

With current violence levels having fallen to their lowest point in the last 4 years, and with the latest statement from the current parliament, it’s becoming clear that Iraq is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. What their statement says about the Iraqi government is that we can and will police ourselves, and that’s a good thing to see after so many years of war.